In a major crackdown against smuggling of foreign origin cigarettes, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) carried out multiple coordinated operations in the North Eastern Region.

Since May 2026, operations conducted by DRI have led to a total seizure of about 71,00,000 sticks of foreign-origin smuggled cigarettes across the North Eastern Region, valued cumulatively at approximately Rs. 14 crore and along with arrest of 4 persons.

Among major operations, DRI seized more than 45 lakh sticks of foreign-origin cigarettes of brands such as Mond, XSo, ORIS and Patron in Mizoram on 11th June 2026. This operation was carried out  with the assistance of the 34th Battalion, Assam Rifles. One person has been arrested in the case. Preliminary investigation indicates that the cigarettes were smuggled into the country from Myanmar through the Zokhawthar sector along the Indo-Myanmar border.

In a series of operations in last few weeks another 26 lakh such cigarettes have been seized, and 3 persons have been arrested.

Anti-smuggling operations target foreign-origin cigarette trafficking across the North Eastern Region with major seizures and arrests. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence conducted coordinated anti-smuggling operations in the North Eastern Region against foreign-origin cigarettes. Since May 2026, the operations led to seizure of about 71 lakh sticks of smuggled cigarettes, cumulatively valued at approximately Rs. 14 crore, and the arrest of four persons. A major seizure was made in Mizoram on 11 June 2026, where more than 45 lakh sticks were recovered with assistance of the 34th Battalion, Assam Rifles, and preliminary investigation indicated smuggling from Myanmar through the Zokhawthar sector.